Top South Island Outdoor Activities

Q: Which South Island Outdoor Activities have Instant Confirmation?

South Island Outdoor Activities with Instant Confirmation include: Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience NZONE Skydive Queenstown 60 Minute Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown Small-Group Zipline Adventure in Queenstown View all Tours with Instant Confirmation →

Q: I need a ride! Which South Island Outdoor Activities have Hotel Pickup?

No problem. These South Island Outdoor Activities include Hotel Pickup: Premium Milford Sound Tour, Cruise & Lunch from Te Anau Queenstown: Pilot's Choice Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing Mt Cook & Tekapo Small-Group Tour from Christchurch with lunch Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch Tekapo Star Gazing Tour - Soak in the Stars View all Tours with Hotel Pickup →

Q: Got any more South Island trip ideas?

We sure do. Check out our curated lists of hand-picked South Island Tours. Top 10 South Island 2026 Senior-friendly tours South Island The best tours and activities for culture lovers in South Island Top Day Trips from South Island Things to do in South Island this summer View all South Island Trip Ideas →

Q: What are the most popular styles of Tours and Activities in South Island?

Based on our sales data over the past year, the most popular styles of tours and activities in South Island are: South Island Luxury & Special Occasions South Island Luxury Tours South Island Outdoor Activities South Island Tours & Sightseeing South Island Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours View all tour styles in South Island →

Stewart Island/Rakiura Half-Day Guided Nature Walk to Oneke

Embark on a guided small-group walk to Oneke, 'The Neck,' on Rakiura Stewart Island. Check in at the ferry terminal in Oban, just a 5 …More

Stewart Island / Rakiura, New Zealand

4.8 (11)

Stewart Island/Rakiura Half-Day Guided Nature Walk to Oneke

Embark on a guided small-group walk to Oneke, 'The Neck,' on Rakiura Stewart Island. Check in at the ferry terminal in Oban, just a 5...

3 hours 15 minutes Free Cancellation

4.8 (11)

from
$114

Explore by 4WD the private backroads of West Wanaka Station an iconic alpine mountain farm high in the mountains surrounding Lake Wanaka. Pass herds of …More

Wanaka, New Zealand

5.0 (86)

Wild Hills Off Road Safari

Explore by 4WD the private backroads of West Wanaka Station an iconic alpine mountain farm high in the mountains surrounding Lake Wanaka. Pass herds of...

4 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (86)

from
$210

Lake Wānaka Small-Group Trout & Salmon Fishing – 3 Hours

Catch a Fish is a small-group, owner-operated fishing experience with a maximum of just six guests, giving everyone plenty of personal attention and the chance …More

Wanaka, New Zealand

5.0 (13)

Lake Wānaka Small-Group Trout & Salmon Fishing – 3 Hours

Catch a Fish is a small-group, owner-operated fishing experience with a maximum of just six guests, giving everyone plenty of personal attention and the chance...

3 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (13)

from
$242

Queenstown Small-Group Trout & Salmon Fishing – 3 Hours

Catch a Fish is a small-group, owner-operated fishing experience with a maximum of just six guests, giving everyone plenty of personal attention and the chance …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (13)

Queenstown Small-Group Trout & Salmon Fishing – 3 Hours

Catch a Fish is a small-group, owner-operated fishing experience with a maximum of just six guests, giving everyone plenty of personal attention and the chance...

3 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (13)

from
$242

9 Day South to North Island NZ Private Tour from Queenstown

This signature 9-day, 8-night tour offers a perfect blend of daily travel, covering the majority of top attractions in both South Island (Milford Sound to …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (15)

9 Day South to North Island NZ Private Tour from Queenstown

This signature 9-day, 8-night tour offers a perfect blend of daily travel, covering the majority of top attractions in both South Island (Milford Sound to...

9 days Hotel pickup offered

5.0 (15)

from
$2,703

Skippers Canyon 4WD Tour from Queenstown

Discover the beauty of Skippers Canyon on this half-day 4WD tour from Queenstown. Leave behind the hustle and bustle of Queestown and travel 32 kilometers …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.9 (97)

Skippers Canyon 4WD Tour from Queenstown

Discover the beauty of Skippers Canyon on this half-day 4WD tour from Queenstown. Leave behind the hustle and bustle of Queestown and travel 32 kilometers...

4 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (97)

from
$150

2hr Scenic Milford Sound Flight with Landing - 201

Mitre Peak beckons as your helicopter lifts off to begin your journey into Milford Sound. Your 2 hour tour includes a landing in Milford Sound …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (68)

2hr Scenic Milford Sound Flight with Landing - 201

Mitre Peak beckons as your helicopter lifts off to begin your journey into Milford Sound. Your 2 hour tour includes a landing in Milford Sound...

2 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (68)

from
$935

Highlands Taxi - Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park

A world-class tourism destination just 45 minutes from Queenstown Airport, Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park is home to a range of exceptional experiences which are …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (17)

Highlands Taxi - Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park

A world-class tourism destination just 45 minutes from Queenstown Airport, Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park is home to a range of exceptional experiences which are...

15 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (17)

from
$85

Tandem Skydive 13,000ft from Franz Josef

Skydive amongst mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers and ocean views. Skydive Franz has New Zealand’s highest mountain Aoraki/Mount Cook and the biggest glaciers Fox and Franz …More

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

4.7 (15)

Tandem Skydive 13,000ft from Franz Josef

Skydive amongst mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers and ocean views. Skydive Franz has New Zealand’s highest mountain Aoraki/Mount Cook and the biggest glaciers Fox and Franz...

3 hours Free Cancellation

4.7 (15)

from
$256

Enjoy the ultimate glacial experience on this 40-minute Mount Cook spectacular helicopter flight from Fox Glacier. This flight tour covers it all including glacial icefalls …More

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

4.9 (7)

Mount Cook Spectacular Helicopter Flight from Fox Glacier

Enjoy the ultimate glacial experience on this 40-minute Mount Cook spectacular helicopter flight from Fox Glacier. This flight tour covers it all including glacial icefalls...

40 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (7)

from
$410

4 Day Tour to Milford Sound, Mount Cook & More from Christchurch

Embark on an unforgettable 4-day journey through New Zealand's stunning South Island, exploring many of its major attractions and experiencing the serene beauty of each …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (6)

4 Day Tour to Milford Sound, Mount Cook & More from Christchurch

Embark on an unforgettable 4-day journey through New Zealand's stunning South Island, exploring many of its major attractions and experiencing the serene beauty of each...

4 days Hotel pickup offered

5.0 (6)

from
$920

4 Day Tour to Milford Sound, Mount Cook & More from Queenstown

Embark on an unforgettable 4-day journey through New Zealand's stunning South Island, exploring many of its major attractions and experiencing the serene beauty of each …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (6)

4 Day Tour to Milford Sound, Mount Cook & More from Queenstown

Embark on an unforgettable 4-day journey through New Zealand's stunning South Island, exploring many of its major attractions and experiencing the serene beauty of each...

4 days Hotel pickup offered

5.0 (6)

from
$920

Mustang V8 U-Drive - Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park

A world-class tourism destination just 45 minutes from Queenstown Airport, Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park is home to a range of exceptional experiences which are …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (20)

Mustang V8 U-Drive - Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park

A world-class tourism destination just 45 minutes from Queenstown Airport, Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park is home to a range of exceptional experiences which are...

30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (20)

from
$226

Wildwire Wanaka- Climb & Canyon (4-5 Hours)

Immerse yourself in the environment and truly connect with nature Learn climbing and canyoning in one tour Enjoy stunning mountain and lake views. Get up …More

Wanaka, New Zealand

5.0 (6)

Wildwire Wanaka- Climb & Canyon (4-5 Hours)

Immerse yourself in the environment and truly connect with nature Learn climbing and canyoning in one tour Enjoy stunning mountain and lake views. Get up...

5 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (6)

from
$213

In other parts of the world, it may take several days to trek to places as beautiful as the Rob Roy Glacier, but we offer …More

Wanaka, New Zealand

5.0 (13)

Rob Roy Glacier Guided Walk

In other parts of the world, it may take several days to trek to places as beautiful as the Rob Roy Glacier, but we offer...

9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (13)

from
$238

5 Day South Island Tour from Queenstown including Stewart Island

This curated 5 day tour from Queenstown offers you a perfect mixture of travel each day, visiting many of the top attractions in New Zealand's …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (9)

5 Day South Island Tour from Queenstown including Stewart Island

This curated 5 day tour from Queenstown offers you a perfect mixture of travel each day, visiting many of the top attractions in New Zealand's...

5 days Hotel pickup offered

5.0 (9)

from
$1,539

Mount Cook Tour: Finish at Queenstown, Christchurch or Dunedin

Discover Aoraki Mount Cook on a scenic private journey for up to 3–4 people. Your day begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel in …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

5.0 (3)

Mount Cook Tour: Finish at Queenstown, Christchurch or Dunedin

Discover Aoraki Mount Cook on a scenic private journey for up to 3–4 people. Your day begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel in...

720 to 750 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (3)

from
$1,437

Skydive Mt. Cook - 70+ Seconds of Freefall from 16,500ft

Enjoy New Zealand’s most stunning skydiving experience! Located in Pukaki and boasting some of the country’s most epic scenery. Skydive Mt Cook offers quintessential South …More

Aoraki Mount Cook (Mount Cook Village), New Zealand

4.8 (5)

Skydive Mt. Cook - 70+ Seconds of Freefall from 16,500ft

Enjoy New Zealand’s most stunning skydiving experience! Located in Pukaki and boasting some of the country’s most epic scenery. Skydive Mt Cook offers quintessential South...

2 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (5)

from
$300

3 Day Private Photography Tour West Coast NZ Departs Queenstown

Join us for a photography expedition to the untamed Wild West Coast of Te Wai Pounamu, New Zealand’s South Island. This remote region, framed by …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

3 Day Private Photography Tour West Coast NZ Departs Queenstown

Join us for a photography expedition to the untamed Wild West Coast of Te Wai Pounamu, New Zealand’s South Island. This remote region, framed by...

3 days Hotel pickup offered

5.0 (2)

from
$1,590

Shackleton Glacier Whiskey Endurance - 50mins

Welcome you to discover the extraordinary Shackleton Glacier and the fascinating story of its namesake's Sir Ernest Shackleton and his legendary Antarctic expedition. This 50-minute …More

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

4.9 (9)

Shackleton Glacier Whiskey Endurance - 50mins

Welcome you to discover the extraordinary Shackleton Glacier and the fascinating story of its namesake's Sir Ernest Shackleton and his legendary Antarctic expedition. This 50-minute...

50 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (9)

from
$451

Frequently Asked Questions

These answers are based on answers previously given to Cool Shore Excursions customers' questions.

What are the best options for South Island Outdoor Activities?

What are the best kid-friendly options for South Island Outdoor Activities Tours?

According to verified reviews on Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor, the best kid-friendly South Island Outdoor Activities are:

View all kid-friendly Tours →

Which South Island Outdoor Activities have Instant Confirmation?

Which South Island Outdoor Activities have Free Cancellation?

South Island Outdoor Activities with Free Cancellation (in most cases up to 24 hours in advance of your tour date, check the specific tour page) include:

View all Tours with Free Cancellation →

I need a ride! Which South Island Outdoor Activities have Hotel Pickup?

Got any more South Island trip ideas?

What are the most popular styles of Tours and Activities in South Island?